A Legacy of Excellence: Exploring Amherst College Football History and Traditions
Amherst College, a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, boasts a rich history that extends beyond academics into the realm of athletics. Founded in 1821, Amherst was one of the first colleges to recognize the benefits of systematic physical exercise, leading to the development of a vibrant athletic program. This article delves into the history of Amherst College football, tracing its evolution from its early days to its current standing as a respected Division III program.
The Genesis of Athletics at Amherst
The completion of the Barrett Gymnasium in 1860 marked the beginning of organized athletics at Amherst. Named after Dr. Benjamin Barrett, a major contributor to its construction, the gymnasium provided a space for students to engage in systematic exercise. Prior to the Civil War, intercollegiate competition was limited, with boat racing and baseball being the primary forms of organized athletic contests.
Amherst gained early recognition in athletics through its success in boat racing. In 1872, the college's boat crew achieved a surprising victory at Springfield, attributed to the consistent exercise regimen of its undergraduates in the gymnasium. Boating remained a major sport at Amherst from 1869 to 1876, thanks to the Connecticut River.
Early Fields and Football
The lack of a suitable field hindered the progress of baseball, football, and track. The Amherst Common and Hampshire Park served as makeshift locations for practice and competitions. In 1877, through the efforts of Lucien 1. Blake, '77, and the College Baseball Association, a dedicated field was secured. Known as Old Blake Field, it was located between present-day Pratt Field and New Blake Field. The field was dedicated on May 5, 1877, with a baseball game between Amherst and the Hartford City Club.
Football at Amherst began in the fall of 1876 with the adoption of Rugby rules and the formation of class teams. While these teams continued in the fall of 1877, a college team was also organized, though no intercollegiate games were played that year.
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The Inaugural Football Games
Amherst's first intercollegiate football game took place on November 2, 1878, against Yale in New Haven. Yale won the game by a score of two goals and one touchdown to nothing. Charles L. Goodrich, '79, captained the Amherst team. On November 13, 1878, Amherst played its first football game on Blake Field against Brown University, securing a victory with a score of one goal and four touchdowns to nothing. Arthur L. Gillett, '80, scored a goal with a drop kick, and Frank J. Goodnow, '79, made notable runs.
A return game against Yale on Blake Field on November 16, 1878, ended in a 0-0 tie. The Amherst Student praised the team's performance, noting that the season concluded without injuries and with football firmly established as a college sport.
Baseball in the Early Years
In the spring of 1878, Amherst focused on baseball, organizing practice games with teams from various cities. Amherst achieved a victory against Williams at Pittsfield but suffered losses to Yale and Harvard. Amherst was part of a league with Yale and Harvard at the time, and these games were considered championship games. Amherst played three games against Massachusetts Agricultural College (now UMass Amherst), winning all three without allowing "Aggie" to score a run. The first baseball game between Amherst and Dartmouth took place on October 9, 1878, in Hanover, New Hampshire, with Amherst winning 11-1.
"Cider Meet"
The first "Cider Meet" was held on Blake Field on October 20, 1878, resulting in a tie between the classes of '80 and '81. The event drew a large crowd. The meet featured unusual contests such as a potato race, a three-mile walk, football kicking, a three-legged race, a blind wheelbarrow race, baseball throwing, a fat men's race, a pack race, and a greased pig race.
Challenges and Revivals
In the spring of 1879, baseball faced challenges, and Amherst did not win any major college games. The team considered participating in intercollegiate games but abandoned the plan due to financial constraints. There is no record of football games with other colleges in the fall of 1879.
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In 1880, a new baseball league was formed among Amherst, Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Princeton. Amherst had a schedule of sixteen games but achieved only moderate success, winning three league games. Notably, Amherst defeated Princeton 4-1. In the fall of 1880, class baseball games were encouraged with a banner offered by Professor John M. Tyler. No football games were held.
Yale joined the league in 1881, creating a six-team league that Yale won. Amherst finished sixth. Victories were recorded against Williams, Harvard, Princeton, and Brown. During the fall of 1881, the new Blake Field was under construction and considered better than the original.
Faculty Intervention and Reorganization
In February 1883, the Amherst College faculty expressed concerns about the direction of intercollegiate athletic games, citing the excessive time, money, and energy involved. They resolved that the college should cease participation in these games after fulfilling existing engagements.
In response, students reorganized their baseball association, selling season tickets and assigning a uniform to the bat boy. A fifteen-game schedule was created. Frederick C. Taylor, '84, captained the 1883 team, which proved to be one of Amherst's best. Amherst joined the newly formed intercollegiate tennis league.
A National League Visit
In October 1883, the Boston National League Team defeated Amherst on Blake Field by a score of 13-3. Rain shortened the game to seven innings. Another notable game took place on Blake Field on October 12, 1883, when Amherst defeated East Brookfield 10-1. Connie Mack, the future manager of the Philadelphia Athletics, played catcher for East Brookfield.
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Gymnasium Era and Football's Return
The opening of the new Pratt Gymnasium in the fall of 1884 shifted focus away from outdoor athletic sports. The football eleven did not function, and the baseball team played only one game. In the fall of 1885, an attempt to revive football met with limited success.
Football experienced a resurgence at Amherst in the fall of 1886. On November 23, 1886, the New England Athletic Association was formed in Boston by representatives from Amherst, Brown, Bowdoin, Dartmouth, Trinity, Tufts, and Williams.
Modern Era
Amherst College competes in the NCAA Division III as a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Its conference rivals include Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Connecticut College, Hamilton, Middlebury, Trinity, Tufts, Wesleyan, and Williams. Amherst is also a member of the "Little Three" athletic conference, which includes Williams and Wesleyan.
Traditions and Rivalries
Amherst has a long-standing rivalry with Williams College, manifested in intense athletic competitions. The annual football game between Amherst and Williams, known as "The Biggest Little Game in America", is a highly anticipated event.
Looking Ahead
Amherst College's football program has evolved significantly since its inception. From its early days on makeshift fields to its current status as a respected Division III program, Amherst football continues to provide student-athletes with opportunities for athletic and personal growth. The college's commitment to academic excellence, combined with its rich athletic traditions, ensures that Amherst College football will remain an integral part of the college community for years to come.
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